Oily skin: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia

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Oily skin

Your genes and hormones play the key role in whether or not you have oily skin. Diet probably has little, if anything, to do with whether or not you have oily skin.

The most important thing you can do for oily skin is to keep your skin clean using warm water and soap, or a soapless cleanser. Clean your face with astringent pads if frequent face washing causes irritation. Use only water-based or oil-free cosmetics if you have oily skin.

Your health care provider may also recommend or prescribe creams to absorb or limit the production of oil on the skin.

See also: Acne

Alternative Names

Skin - oily

Update Date: 10/28/2008

Updated by: Michael Lehrer, M.D., Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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